Angels Vocal Art is an organization dedicated to cultivating and developing the skills of up-and-coming opera singers. AVA’s roots date back to 2006 when Anna and Melvin Lin were inspired by a series of master classes presented by tenor Carlo Bergonzi during a trip to Pasadena, California. Though Carlo Bergonzi died in 2014, Angels Vocal Art continues to honor his work by offering education and performance opportunities to emerging talent. In 2015, the organization launched an Opera Intensive at Cal State Los Angeles.

Over the past few years, it expanded its program into LA’s only summer opera festival and now presents various productions and performances each year, such as a Verdi Gala with over a hundred performers on stage, including AVA singers, guest soloists, the Verdi Chorus and a full orchestra. In 2016, one production featured the Southern California premiere of the contemporary opera Anya17 by composer Adam Gorb, raising awareness of the human trafficking issue.

In addition to the festival, Angels Vocal Art currently offers a summer intensive workshop with two distinct programs. The career-launching Studio Artists Program includes classes in acting, audition training and role preparation, which culminates in fully staged opera scenes performances with a professional orchestra. The Emerging Professionals focus on career positioning and perform leading roles in full opera productions, such as Verdi’s La Traviata and Bernstein’s Candide.